Are black-chinned hummingbirds in Ohio?

The black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small, iridescent green hummingbird with a black chin that breeds primarily in the southwestern United States and migrates through and winters in Mexico. However, in recent decades, the species has been expanding its breeding range eastward and northward, and there have been increasing records of black-chinned hummingbirds sighted in the state of Ohio during spring and fall migration. So are black-chinned hummingbirds actually present in Ohio, and if so, how frequently are they being observed in the state?

Background on the black-chinned hummingbird

The black-chinned hummingbird is one of the most widespread and common hummingbird species found in the United States. Its normal breeding range extends from southern Oregon and Montana south to southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas. During the fall and winter months, most black-chinned hummingbirds migrate to Mexico, though some may overwinter in the southernmost parts of the southwestern U.S.

Key identification features of the black-chinned hummingbird include:

• Green back and crown
• White underparts
• Metallic purple throat
• Black chin
• Forked tail

Adult male black-chinned hummingbirds have a much darker purple throat than females or juveniles. The species is very small, measuring only 3 to 3.5 inches in length.

Range expansion and sightings in Ohio

Since about the 1960s, black-chinned hummingbirds have been expanding their breeding range north and east outside of their core southwestern U.S. range. Although the reasons for this expansion are not fully understood, it is likely due to a combination of factors including climate change, availability of artificial feeders providing supplemental food and habitat, and breeding bird surveys increasing awareness of their presence in new areas.

This range expansion has brought black-chinned hummingbirds into Midwestern states including Ohio with increasing frequency over the past couple decades. According to eBird records, there have been over 100 sightings of black-chinned hummingbirds reported in Ohio since 2015. Here is a table summarizing the number of reported sightings per year:

These sightings have occurred across much of Ohio, though seem to be concentrated in the southwestern part of the state. Most records are from April through October, coinciding with spring and fall migration periods when vagrant individuals may get blown off course from their normal migration routes.

There are also a handful of records from winter months (December-February) which could indicate some overwintering is occurring, likely by individuals taking advantage of heated nectar feeders. However, there are no confirmed breeding records for black-chinned hummingbirds in Ohio to date.

Evidence that black-chinned hummingbirds occur annually in Ohio

The pattern of increasing records of black-chinned hummingbirds reported each year in Ohio strongly indicates that the species is now an annual transient through the state, especially during spring and fall migrations. Several pieces of evidence support this:

1. Number of records is increasing over time

As seen in the sightings table above, reported observations of black-chinned hummingbirds in Ohio have been steadily rising since 2015, going from just 9 reports that year to 14 reports in 2022. This increase over time suggests that more black-chinned hummingbirds are passing through the state annually as their population and range expand. It is unlikely this pattern could be explained by observer effort alone.

2. Records span spring and fall migration

Ohio’s records of black-chinned hummingbirds are not concentrated during just spring or fall, but occur across both migration seasons from April through October. This shows these birds are passing through the state biannually, rather than just rare vagrant occurrences in one season. Concentrations in spring and fall also match typical migration timing.

3. Sightings are widespread across Ohio

Reports have come from at least 22 of Ohio’s 88 counties, ranging from Lake County in the northeast to Hamilton County in the southwest. This demonstrates that black-chinned hummingbirds are passing through much of the state during migration, not just turning up in one localized area occasionally.

4. Some potential overwintering is occurring

A few sightings in winter months, coupled with expanding winter range in nearby states like Tennessee and Kentucky, suggest some black-chinned hummingbirds may attempt to overwinter in warmer parts of Ohio when artificial feeders allow. This provides another piece of evidence for annual occurrence.

5. Part of a broader regional pattern

Nearby states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, and Ontario have also documented increasing observations in recent years, showing Ohio is part of a larger range expansion through the region. Black-chinned hummingbirds would be expected to pass through Ohio regularly as they move to and from these nearby areas.

Likelihood of sightings in different parts of Ohio

Although possible anywhere in the state, black-chinned hummingbird sightings are most likely to occur in certain regions of Ohio:

Southwest Ohio

Southwestern Ohio, roughly from Dayton and Cincinnati south and west, has produced over half of the state’s records since 2015 based on eBird data. This area is along the typical migration route up the Mississippi River valley, so migrant individuals are prone to stopping here. Counties like Butler, Hamilton, and Clermont are among the top areas to watch.

Central Ohio

Central regions like Columbus and surrounding counties account for a number of recent records as well, likely because of higher population and a concentration of birders providing more observation opportunities. Franklin, Delaware, Pickaway, and Fairfield Counties are worth watching.

Lake Erie shoreline

The lake shore from Cleveland to Toledo can be a migrant trap and has a smattering of records. Counties to watch include Cuyahoga, Erie, and Lucas.

Southeast Ohio

Southeast Ohio has fewer records but still some each year, especially along the Ohio River. Watch for vagrant individuals in counties like Athens and Washington.

Best locations and timing for spotting black-chinned hummingbirds

To maximize your chances of observing a black-chinned hummingbird in Ohio, here are some of the best spots to look and time periods to watch for them:

Private yards

Many sightings come from homeowners’ feeders or gardens, especially those landscaped with native plants attractive to hummingbirds. Keep feeders up through October and be on watch for unusual visitors.

State parks and nature preserves

Parks like Maumee Bay State Park, Little Miami State Park, and Shawnee State Park have all hosted black-chinned hummingbirds. Watch flower gardens and nature center feeders.

Audubon centers

The Aullwood Audubon Center, Cincinnati Nature Center, and other such nature education centers often have public hummingbird feeding stations to observe.

April and May

Peak spring migration period, especially the latter half of April through May when most hummingbirds are moving through Ohio.

Mid-August through September

Prime fall migration time frame to be on watch for wandering individuals on their southbound journey.

October and November

Late fall period when any attempted overwintering individuals are likely to appear at feeders before cold forces them south.

Verification tips for possible sightings

To confirm that an unusual hummingbird species like a black-chinned has been positively identified, here are some tips:

Get photos or video

Photographing distinguishing field marks like the purple throat or black chin from multiple angles provides solid documentation of rare sightings.

Note key details

Carefully observe and record plumage features, vocalizations, behavior, timing, and location details to include in your report.

Consult experts

Have experienced birders review your photos or sighting details to confirm the identification. Local Audubon chapters are a good resource.

Submit documentation to eBird or state records committee

Adding photographic evidence to your checklist on eBird or submitting details to the Ohio Bird Records Committee helps confirm rare state records.

Conclusion

In summary, while still considered stray vagrants, black-chinned hummingbirds are becoming increasingly regular migrants through Ohio, especially in the southwest region in spring and fall. Birders who pay attention to hummingbird activity during migration periods and who document unusual sightings are likely to observe this species, now an expected annual transient in the state. Continued expansion of breeding and wintering populations nearby could make black-chinned hummingbirds even more routine sightings in Ohio in years to come.